Introducing Budapest

Visit Szilárd Kenese's photo exhibition during the library's opening hours from April 15 to May 31, 2024.

Location: Library of Ugocsa utca, 1126 Budapest, Ugocsa utca 10.

"I'm Szilárd Kenese, the director of the Frigyes Karinthy Library. I've had a passion for photography since I was a child. My grandmother gifted me my first camera, a Smena Symbol, when I was ten years old, and I was enthusiastic to begin capturing images.

My father was a significant influence on me; we frequently took photographs together. He worked as a civil engineer, but he was also an amateur photographer with extensive equipment and knowledge. During my childhood, we would often develop and enlarge my films together in the bathroom, creating an incredibly exciting experience. After graduating, I made the decision to pursue library science, but my passion for photography remained a significant aspect of my life.

In the 2000s, I made the switch to digital photography because it enabled me to be more flexible in capturing diverse subjects in various settings, including different lighting conditions. While I was in my previous role at BME OMIKK, I had the chance to step into the role of a 'professional' photographer when I was designated as the library's photographer. I diligently documented a wide range of events and activities, such as the Night of Museums, Regatta rowing races, Researchers' Night, and more. My pictures were published on the website, and my photos were also used in advertising materials and calendars.

I also completed a digital photography course taught by recognized photographers, including Péter Korniss, Béla Szandelszky, Zsolt Szigetváry, Péter Szipál, and Sándor Vadász. I have participated in several national and international competitions, winning prizes in the latter. My favorite subjects are the city, buildings, and street photography. I'm also interested in urbex photography (photographing ruined buildings). In 2021, I joined MESZL, where I applied my experience as an event photographer to library programs from the very beginning.

For the exhibition titled 'Introducing Budapest,' I have chosen works created over the past 10 years. I attempted to showcase various facets of the place where I reside, often wandering its streets with my camera in hand, in search of something captivating to capture. I wholeheartedly recommend my inaugural exhibition to all readers and anyone interested."

- Szilárd Kenese 

Source of photo: MESZL